Tirreno-Adriatico - Julian Alaphilippe: I had good legs but was also very strong mentally
Mar 15 2019 05:52 am CET
Deceuninck-Quick-Step
Deceuninck-Quick-Step's Julian Alaphilippe is the first Frenchman since 2009 to win a stage in Tirreno-Adriatico. The rider was the strongest rider in the second stage of the race.
It was the first climbing finish of the 2019 edition of the Italian race and Alaphilippe timed well the attack to take the victory of the stage. "My team did a tremendous job today, controlling the breakaway, protecting me and keeping an eye on all the attacks in the final," the rider commented.
"Styby (Zdenek Stybar) covered the moves, and that helped me remain calm and patiently wait for the sprint, which I opened with 150 meters to go, going full gas to the line. I had good legs but was also very strong mentally, and that made the difference today."
Alaphilippe enjoys a very good form that he has shown not only in this race but also by winning Strade Bianchi last weekend. "This victory makes me very happy, but I'm not thinking about the blue jersey, as I prefer to take it day by day and see what happens," the Frenchman explained.
"Yesterday we lost time in the TTT and we were very motivated for this stage, so I'm happy I could finish it off with the help of my teammates. Tomorrow we will ride for Elia because it's a good opportunity for him. We continue to remain the same strong and united Wolfpack, always ready to work hard in order to achieve our goals."
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